    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 18, 2004]
    [Pages 2980-2982]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Dedication of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas
    November 18, 2004

        President Clinton, Senator Clinton, President Carter and Mrs.
    Carter, President Bush and Mother--[laughter]--
    Governor and Mrs. Huckabee, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: Laura and I are really pleased to be a part of this happy and
    historic occasion. On this day of dedication, we honor the man from
    Hope, Arkansas, who became the 42d President of the United States. Mr.
    President, congratulations.
        This Presidential library chronicles a vivid era in American history
    for the benefit of future generations. It will contribute to the
    vitality of this fine city and to the great State of Arkansas. The
    collections here record the dedication and hard work of thousands who
    brought talent and idealism to public service. And at the center of that
    era, at the head of that administration was an able and energetic
    American. President Bill Clinton led our country with optimism and a
    great affection for the American people, and that affection has been
    returned. He gave all to his job, and the Nation gave him two terms.

        In the early 1990s, the American people saw a young, well-spoken,
    relatively unknown Governor rise to national prominence. Yet for decades
    here in Arkansas, the signs of destiny were clear. When young William
    entered a new school in the fourth grade, a classmate recalls, ``He
    didn't mean to, but he just took the place over.'' [Laughter] When
    Governor Clinton declared his candidacy for President in this city, his
    close friends were not surprised in the least. They'd always known that
    Bill Clinton's moment in history would come.

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        Arkansas is a State that knows political skill when you see it. A
    fellow in Saline County was asked by his son why he liked Governor
    Clinton so much. He said, ``Son, he'll look you in the eye. He'll shake
    your hand. He'll hold your baby. He'll pet your dog--all at the same
    time.'' [Laughter]
        Over the years, Bill Clinton showed himself to be much more than a
    good politician. His home State elected him the Governor in the 1970s,
    the 1980s, and the 1990s because he was an innovator, a serious student
    of policy, and a man of great compassion. In the White House, the whole
    Nation witnessed his brilliance and his mastery of detail, his
    persuasive power, and his persistence. The President is not the kind to
    give up a fight. His staffers were known to say, ``If Clinton were the
    Titanic, the iceberg would sink.'' [Laughter]
        During his Presidency, Bill Clinton seized important opportunities
    on issues from welfare to free trade. He was a tireless champion of
    peace in the Middle East. He used American power in the Balkans to
    confront aggression and halt ethnic cleansing. And in all his actions
    and decisions, the American people sensed a deep empathy for the poor
    and the powerless. Shortly before leaving office, President Clinton
    said, ``Christ admonished us that our lives will be judged by how we do
    unto the least of our neighbors.'' Throughout his career, Bill Clinton
    has done his best to live up to that standard, and Americans respect him
    for it.
        At every stage of his remarkable life, President Clinton has made
    and kept countless friends, who share in the joy of this day. And three
    people in particular have the largest part in this remarkable story. One
    day more than 30 years ago, inside the Yale Law Library, a fellow
    student walked over to Bill Clinton and said, ``If you're going to keep
    staring at me and I'm going to keep staring back, we ought to at least
    know each other's name. Mine's Hillary Rodham. What is yours?''
    [Laughter] That was a good day for both of them and the beginning of a
    partnership unique in American history. So today we honor the former
    first lady of Arkansas, the former First Lady of America, the United
    States Senator from New York, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
        Perhaps the Clintons's greatest achievement is their daughter, who
    moved into the White House as a young girl and left as an accomplished
    young lady. It's not easy to be a teenager
    in the White House, but it's a lot easier when you have a loving mother
    and a loving father that Chelsea Clinton had.
        This magnificent Presidential library and the American life it
    celebrates would not have been possible without the love and sacrifice
    of a special lady. Among his heroes, President Clinton always includes
    his mother, Virginia Kelley, ``a working woman and a widow.'' Virginia
    was there when her son took the oath of office, and we know that she
    would be incredibly proud of this day.
        The story that began in a little house on Hervey Street in Hope,
    Arkansas, is the kind of story that inspires people from every
    background, all over America. In this great Nation, it is always
    possible for a child to go as far as their talent and vision can take
    them. Visitors to this place will be reminded of the great promise of
    our country, and the dreams that came true in the life of our 42d
    President. The William J. Clinton Presidential Library is a gift to the
    future by a man who always believed in the future. And today we thank
    him for loving and serving America.
        God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:20 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas and his wife, Janet.

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